STATEMENT OF DECISION IN FAMILY LAW
CCP § 632, provides that if a timely request is made, the trial court is required to issue a statement of decision explaining the factual and legal basis for its decision as to each of the principal controverted issues at trial.
This applies to "temporary" custody and support orders. Accordingly, a statement of decision should always be requested in family law proceedings to preserve the record for a possible appeal or for later modification of the trial court’s decision.